IVAW 2013 Convention

Iraq Veterans Against the War annual convention is this August 2-4, where members across the country will converge in one location to determine the future of our organization. We want your voice to be apart of this conversation!

Please join us this year for what is bound to be one of our best conventions yet. August 1-4 Chicago, IL

Members are encouraged to arrive Thursday, August 1st and leave in the evening of Sunday, August 4th so you don't miss out on anything.

Click through the above tabs to register and get more information about food, housing, child care and the agenda as that information becomes available. Come back to check or contact us at convention@ivaw.org for questions.

IVAW is at a real crossroads and the schedule for our upcoming convention reflects that. This August we will continue our two-year long strategic planning process by discussing strategic priorities, and where to focus of our work and resources for the next 3-5 years and continue a discussion on rebranding.

In addition to our strategic planning we will have a panel with leading thinkers Nick Turse and Christian Parenti on U.S. militarism (more info here), an opportunity to strategize with our allies on building stronger movements together and an entire day to prepare for an action destined for the Fall.

Register for Convention now!

Don't miss out on housing, register now!

NOTE: We have limited housing available this year and IVAW and CivSol members will receive it on a first come first serve basis, so make sure to register ASAP. The housing registration deadline is July 7th which is right around the corner.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - 12:00pm

The early registration deadline is July 7th. After that point, you can still register but will be responsible for your own housing.

1) Credit Card: Click the green registration button to the right This will take you to the registration and payment page where you can fill in your credit card information.

2) Check/Money Order: Email your responses to the registration form to convention@ivaw.org so we know you want to register and mail a check to:

IVAW

PO Box 3565

New York, NY 10008-3565

Attn: Convention

3) Pay at the door: Email your responses to the registration form to convention@ivaw.org so we know you want to register. Bring the registration fee of $75.00 for IVAW members and $150.00 for allies and supporters.

If you have questions about registration, email convention@ivaw.org with “Registration” in the subject line.

This year we have some really great workshops scheduled and we are also bringing a new way for members to network, share work with eachother, and show off all the great things are members are doing on a local level. Thursday from 4pm-8pm is our member table time. Please bring any ideas, materials, and skills you have to share and be ready to learn about other member's great work across the country.

The convention committee has prioritized creating a safe space for everyone at convention and will make every effort to accommodate for disabilities and any special housing needs.

House stays: We have worked with the local activist community to secure housing for IVAW and CivSol members near the convention site.

Guests and Allies: With limited volunteer housing and budget limitations we will not be able to offer housing to friends and allies. If you are playing a role in this convention and cannot arrange your own housing please contact us with the below information.

Hotels: Our convention is happening simultaniously with a huge Chicago music festival, we recomend booking your hotel as soon as possible.

If you require alternative housing arrangements or have any special needs please email convention@ivaw.org with "Housing" in the subject line.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

At the time of registering you must include your intended arrival and departure date. This information is necessary for us to plan adequate housing and food needs. You do not need to have your itinerary or ticket in hand at the time of registering, but we do encourage you to make travel arrangements ASAP. Please share with us the intended time of your arrival and departure as soon as your plans solidify so we can plan airport pick ups, etc.

BY CAR: We encourage members to carpool to convention. It is cost efficient, green, and an excellent way to strategize with members and supporters en route to convention.

BY BUS:Greyhound bus tickets can be booked online or by calling 1-800-231-2222.

BY AMTRAK:Amtrak train tickets can be booked here or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). The brevity code for Chicago is “CHI”

BY PLANE: The cost for a flight to can be greatly reduced the sooner you book your flight. We recommend checking outKayak.com and budget airlines likeJetBlue orSouthWest. The airport code is “ORD” for O’hare or “MDW” for Midway.

We will coordinate your pickup at the airport but you need to let us know you need a ride and when you arrive/depart. Private shuttle services or public transportation is available at the airport terminal.